From its fairy-tale-like landscapes (think deep green forests, crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped peaks and thousands of island) to its vibrant cities and otherworldly Northern Lights displays, Sweden is an easy country to fall in love with. Beauty abounds in this Nordic nation, and you’ll find plenty to point your camera at whether it’s the colourful buildings and cobblestone streets of Stockholm, the frozen lakes and snow-capped mountains of Swedish Lapland or sweeping wildernesses and sandy beaches of Gotland. If this dreamy destination is next on your list, here are some of the best and most beautiful places in Sweden.
Old-school Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, happens to be one of the most stunning cities in the world. Take a walking tour around Gamla Stan, the city's Old Town, an area packed with museums and historical sights such as Parliament building and the Opera House. The most famous attraction is the 18th-century Royal Palace – one of the largest palaces in Europe. The grand building, made of brick and sandstone, is the King of Sweden’s official residence and is just a stone’s throw away from the fantastic Storkyrkan cathedral, which was originally constructed in the 13th century. If the weather is good, make your way to the waterfront and hop on a boat or into a kayak to see the centre from a different perspective. You’ll be spoilt for choice come evening, when stylish bistros serve new Nordic cuisine and atmospheric pubs and chic cocktail bars burst into life.
The Scenic Swedish Archipelago
Spanning the country’s coastline from Lapland in the north to the south and west, the Swedish Archipelago is made up of over 30,000 tiny islands and is easily one of the most beautiful places in Sweden. The most famous area is on the western side, close to the vibrant cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg, and Öland - the biggest island in the group - is a popular summer stop for travellers and locals alike. The bright sun, blue sea and soft sandy beaches make it a perfect holiday destination, but Öland’s charms go beyond this, with its storybook windmills, rich cultural heritage and historic sites like Borgholm Castle.
Awe-inspiring Swedish Lapland
If you’re planning a winter getaway, Swedish Lapland has it all, and then some. Topped with the dancing lights of the aurora borealis, the region offers snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, frozen lakes and scenic archipelagos. Along with unparalleled natural beauty, you can enjoy a range of exhilarating experiences such as cross-country skiing, tobogganing and snowshoeing. Abisko National Park, in the far north, covers an area of 30 square miles and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful national park in Sweden. Stay in an ice hotel, spot reindeer, swim in the Arctic circle, learn about Sami culture, and taste authentic cuisine. Lapland is no one-season wonder though. Head here in summer and you’ll have a totally different experience. The snow and ice give way to flower-filled valleys and endless daylight - a phenomenon known as the ‘Midnight Sun’ - and visitors can enjoy hiking and trekking in the sublime scenery.
The High Coast
The High Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site prized for its singular beauty and iconic seascape. Part of the Gulf of Bothnia in the Ångermanland province of northeast Sweden, it comprises steep red granite cliffs and sharp rocky islands formed more than 9,000 years ago. The surrounding area features two national parks - Ulvon’s Island National Park and Skuleskogen National Park - and is heaven for hikers. Kungsleden (the ‘King's Trail’) is the longest hiking trail in Sweden, stretching around 275 miles from Abisko to Hemavan and attracting travellers from all over the world. Along the trail, you’ll find unique architecture - not to mention numerous elk and reindeer - that showcases the singular allure of this region.
Kosterhavet’s Marine Paradise
The country’s first National Marine Park, located on the pedestrianised Koster Islands, just a two-hour drive from Gothenburg is another worthy contender in any list of the most beautiful places in Sweden. Kosterhavet is one of Sweden’s sunniest spots and offers an array of outdoor adventures. Popular activities include kayaking, hiking, cycling, swimming and snorkelling, plus music festivals, seal sightings and more. Visit from May to September to enjoy the colourful spring blooms, the midsummer festivals and the late-season lobster parties and shellfish safaris that end in delicious feasts.
The Green Valleys and Blue Lakes of Dalarna
Dalarna means 'valleys' in Swedish, apt for this mountainous region where winding roads connect lush forests and lakes to old-fashioned villages. Visit the UNESCO-listed Falun Mine and nearby Elsborg where the cottages are painted with the rust-red pigment drawn from underground. Stay on the banks of Lake Siljan, the largest and most famous lake in the area, known for its sparkling waters. At the start of July, a week-long festival takes place called Musik vid Siljan, while the beautiful surroundings offer outdoor activities for all ages including horse riding, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and mountain biking. Enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the area from the top of Gesunda mountain. And you may know it as a rubbish bin (thanks to Ikea) but Toftan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country and its shores are peppered with traditional red-roof cottages. Art lovers can make a pilgrimage to the family home of creatives Carl and Karin Larsson for interior design inspiration and a cultural heritage fix.
The Idyllic Gothenburg Archipelago
The Gothenburg Archipelago stretches up the west coast of Sweden and is, if possible, even more beautiful than its Stockholm counterpart. Made up of more than 20 islands, the archipelago is easy to reach from the city making it the perfect addition to any Gothenburg break. Each island has its own character and charm, but all of them offer a peaceful respite from city life. You’ll find charming fishing villages, beautiful nature, beaches, seals, fishing and more. As you might expect, the food here is wonderful, and we recommend sampling everything from modern gastronomy to traditional seafood restaurants as well as getting involved in the charming coffee break custom of fika.
The Viking History and Stunning Natural Scenery of Gotland
Gotland is a paradise island province in the Baltic Sea characterised by sweeping wilderness and a coastline of sandy beaches. Best known for its sea stacks, Gotland is home to numerous beautiful towns and remarkable sights. The main town of Visby is a Viking-era wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sweden, while the iconic stacks are located at Langhammars on the island of Fårö. Lummelunda Cave is another worthwhile stop and packed with stalagmites, stalactites and interesting fossils. The Gotland Museum holds a collection of picture stones, as well as gold and silver treasures, and charts 8,000 years of rich history from the Stone Age to today. For an additional dose of heritage, the island is home to more than 90 medieval churches, each of which has an intriguing story.
Magnificent Malmö
Situated at the eastern end of iconic Öresund Bridge, Malmö is the largest city in the southernmost county of Skåne and the third biggest in all of Sweden. This coastal city beautifully combines old world charm and culture with all the attractions of a modern metropolis and in the centre you’ll find the Old Town, which is filled with art and history. Surrounded by beautiful 16th-century architecture, the vibrant area of Stortorget is packed with restaurants, cafes and shops. It’s also home to Malmö’s oldest building, the 14th-century St Peter’s Church, which is covered with magnificent late-medieval paintings.